On May 9, 2025, President Vladimir Putin presided over Russia’s most elaborate Victory Day parade since the outbreak of Ukraine conflict, proclaiming “all of society supports participants of special military operation”. The event commemorating 80th Anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat served as an occasion to solidify domestic support for his ongoing conflict against Ukraine. Kyiv Post +4 RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty +12 and The Daily Guardian + 12 had coverage. Red Square hosted Moscow’s annual military parade featuring over 11,000 troops, 180 military vehicles, and advanced weaponry such as Iskander ballistic missiles and Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles from Russia – particularly relevant given recent Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Moscow. Notable among this display of military might were its Iskander ballistic missiles and Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles displayed. Notably, Russia showcased their military might amid security concerns stemming from recent Ukrainian drone attacks against their capital city – something not many knew before the parade took place – see AP News + The Washington Post for breaking headlines & news +3 Internationally, Russia’s military parade highlighted their alignment with non-Western countries. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva were among the notable world leaders present, showing diplomatic support despite Western sanctions and strengthening Russia’s attempts at building stronger relationships outside its western sphere. Their presence underscored Russia’s efforts at forging stronger relationships outside its Western sphere – something the Daily Guardian and Scottish Sun noted as significant contributors towards these efforts (The Washington Post +2 for The Daily Guardian; Scottish Sun =1). They reported: (+1), Washington Post +2 +2, AP News +2 for The Daily Guardian; The Scottish Sun=1). Putin made connections between Soviet efforts during World War II and Russia’s current military actions in Ukraine, painting it as an extension of their fight against Nazism and Russophobia and anti-Semitism – reinforcing Russia’s narrative for invasion. The Moscow Times +The Scottish Sun Due to Russia’s celebrations, reports indicated continued hostilities. Ukrainian officials dismissed a three-day ceasefire announced by Moscow as “theatrical,” noting ongoing attacks and violations from Russian troops. The Moscow Times published reports of these ongoing hostilities. European leaders also gathered in Lviv, Ukraine, to endorse the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian officials suspected of war crimes. This step underlines Russia and Western nations’ growing rift over accountability for actions taken in Ukraine. The Kyiv Independent (+14)The Washington Post (+4)AP News (+4) As Russia commemorated its historic victory, military pageantry and ongoing hostilities highlighted the complexities of national pride, international alliances, and seeking justice during times of war.
